Menu

Actor Paul Dano Cast As Young Brian Wilson in ‘Love and Mercy’

Actor Paul Dano (Looper, Little Miss Sunshine, There Will Be Blood) will portray a young Brian Wilson in the upcoming film Love and Mercy. Bill Pohlad will direct the movie, which is titled after one of Wilson’s solo songs.

The story follows Wilson’s life as a budding star with the Beach Boys, his struggle with mental illness and his marriage. According to a press release, the film will “take an unconventional look at seminal moments in Wilson’s life, his artistic genius, his profound struggles, and the love that kept him alive.”

“I am thrilled that Paul Dano has signed on to play me during one of my most creative explosions and most fulfilling musical times in my career,” Brian Wilson said in a statement. “I still can’t believe how cool it is that my life will be portrayed on the big screen, and to have Bill Pohlad as the captain of the Sloop John B is amazing. It just makes me feel so humble. I can’t wait to see it with a full tub of buttered popcorn.”